PhD position on dusty plasma physics

Job description

Are you eager to work on fundamental plasma physical problems that find direct application in the high tech industry? In this project you will dive in the elementary processes that determine the interaction between small (nano)particles, ionized media and fast electrons to solve contamination issues in ultraclean semiconductor manufacturing equipment for the future. In the “Dust particle interaction with plasma and electron beams” project, which is funded by the Horizon Europe KDT JU’s 10ÅCe program, we have a PhD vacancy which is experimentally oriented. Are you the one to join our team?

The objective of the 10ÅCe project is to explore and realize solutions for the 10Å node CMOS chip technology. Its consortium covers the entire value chain for manufacturing of CMOS chips in the 10Å node, that is, from chip design to lithography to process technology and finally chip metrology. Essential parts of hardware, software and processing technology are developed pushing the boundaries of semiconductor design and manufacture to enable progress of Moore’s law to the next node.

Crucial for almost all production process steps in the chips manufacturing chain is mitigation of contamination by small (nano) dust particles. Application of ionized gases, called plasmas, is known to be a high potential solution as plasma can electrically charge (nano)particles and allow control over their positions and trajectories.

The goal of the current PhD project is to explore, analyze and understand the elementary processes governing the interaction between (nano)particles and several manifestations of plasma. In addition, fast electrons – in the form of an electron beam – will be added to the ecosystem and their overall impact on particle mitigation strategies will be investigated.

From utilization point of view, immediate application of the research results in terms of the development of novel mitigation strategies for nano contamination in the semiconductor and EUV Lithography industries are important. As a PhD student in this project, you will perform in-depth (experimental) research which leads - through analytical modeling efforts - to enhanced understanding of the above ecosystems. At the same time, you act as bridge between the university and stakeholders from the involved companies and other institutions. Also, you are expected to setup a strong collaboration with one of our partners focusing on plasma modeling.   

The PhD position is fully embedded in the EPG/CIMlabs group in the department of Applied Physics of the Eindhoven University of Technology. However, candidates are expected to spend time at collaborating companies as well, in order to sense applicational oriented challenges and transfer knowledge. This gives you the chance to experience both: academia and industry. Besides research you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e. g. in bachelor courses, is usually limited to approximately 5% of your contract time. NOTE: For candidates with specific interest in teaching and education there is the option for a 5- year PhD studentship. Teaching and education will be substantial during this full PhD project, with a total amount of extra time equivalent to a full contract year. Please express your interest to the vacancy holder/supervisor in charge.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree in physics.
• Affinity with plasma physics.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• An application-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in a team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Perfect social and communicative skills.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Job Beckers, Principal Investigator CIMlabs, j.beckers@tue.nl .

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services HRServices.flux@tue.nl .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.
Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary please combine files.